The author actually writes his own summary for each chapter. I a just trying to synthesize what I took away from it. Unlike many dystopias, this book focuses on the people and their actions that work towards making the best of the new world. It has a very positive approach in almost every tale.

Eight steps to steal a yacht and build a hospital (4 stars)

This story was a little abrupt but focused on people and their intentions. Sometimes, when the intention is right, even the people with more to lose might become unexpected helpers.

A shoreline of Oil and Infinity (3 stars)

A woman is trying to use technology to find hope hidden beneath sands that one’s had people enjoying themselves. The author’s note talks of why habitat survival is important and how this short story connects to that idea.

Soil of our home, storm of our lives (3 stars)

The past had people making choices, the details of which not everyone is privy to. We get an idea into how misinformation might shape thought. A father manages to correct his daughter’s knowledge of their family history.

Different kinds of Defiance (4 stars)

Women who try to make the best of their abilities and available resources are the foundation for the story and for the anticipated future in the plot.

Anticipation of Hollowness (4 stars)

This was probably the sadder of the stories. From the very beginning, we see a misfit who is finding it tough to survive in a supposedly perfect city. Both financially and socially deficient, a surprising offer makes her consider her priorities.

When it’s time for harvest ( 4 stars)

It’s hard for anyone to cede control, especially if they don’t have enough confidence in the people who are to take over. The title’s play on words is actually quite potent.

Even though you are no more ( 3 stars)

This is an inner monologue by a pregnant android which is probably something that even actual humans would think about when thinking of having kids. It’s both uncomfortable and makes sense.

To remember the poison (3 stars)

When people create a utopia ( or as close as can be) in a world breaking apart, the gatekeeping comes at a cost. It is a thought provoking discussion overall.

Look to the sky,my love (3 stars)

A woman who lost her wife is trying to avoid a valentine – like holiday but date seems to have other plans. It’s a form of grieving that gives way to a joy of having had memories in the first place.

The river that passed through my life (3 stars)

This story is slightly more complex. We get to see a wider view of the dystopian world, the Rioverse as the author names it. There’s more at stake than appears at first but soon the real situation becomes apparent.

As I mentioned in the beginning this set of stories are set in dystopian worlds but they are largely positive. This felt very different because dystopian worlds tend to have beaten and defeated people. Here there’s hope in those people who are only seemingly defeated. Progress and inventions are focused on a different future, and I would recommend it to fans of sci-fi

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

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